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Denham CC 2nd XI 2002 Season

Captain's Report

Played 11 (actual games played)

Won 2 (wins against Hurley, Little Kingshill)

Drew 5 (draws with Wargrave x 2, Coleshill, Winchmore Hill, Hurley)

Lost 5 (includes Binfield away when we were unable to field an XI)

No Result 2 (both home and away games against Braywood were lost to poor weather)

Summary Of 2002 Season

Unfortunately, due to a lack of consistency throughout the 2002 season, the Denham 2nd XI final league position was bottom of Division 2. This was disappointing considering the (lack of) strength of some of the other teams in the league.

Poor player availability, selection inconsistency often led to a weak XI being fielded together with an overly defensive approach in the field in a number of games were probably the key factors that resulted in the disappointing final league position. It is a little difficult to find any positives from a rather lack lustre season, which saw captain Howard Collins resign after members of the team lost confidence in his captaincy.

Paul Hazel and Phil Hulme both provided some excellent contributions with the bat ably assisted by Mark Dalton, Andy Leach, Chris Ambler and Dave Matthews. Albert Dean and Jack Grover headed the bowling averages with 11 and 9 wickets respectively. I would also like to make mention of the following players for their effort and commitment throughout the season: Peter Schembri, Andy Leach and Steve Bull. It was also disappointing that only eleven league games were actually played.

The season seemed to be punctuated with too many bye weeks, games lost to the weather and the loss of Great Hampden from the league which all contributed to a somewhat disjointed season.

Season 2003…..

Looking forward to the 2003 season, I see no reason why we cannot significantly improve our final league position and potentially challenge for promotion in Division 2. This assumption is however based on the consistent availability of key players for the majority of the season. If some level of consistent team selection can be achieved, I see no reason why the Denham 2nd XI could not nurture a good team spirit to play positive and more aggressive cricket.

Batting Potentially our weakest area, the additions of Dave Matthews and Chris Ambler who made excellent contributions with the bat and added to a positive approach in the field will temper the loss of Phil Hulme. Greater contributions and consistency from all batsmen and the further strengthen of our batting line up will be necessary if we wish to make significant progress next year.

Bowling If, Jack Grover, Phil Dickson, Ambrose Tracey, Albert Dean, Jon Rolland and others are available on a consistent basis then we would potentially have a strong bowling attack. This is obviously a big ‘if’. Additionally, a mention for Jack Grover whose bowling over the last 2 seasons has consistently improved. I see no reason why, with continued improvement, Jack cannot become our key strike bowler in future seasons.

Potential new players include Alan Coulson who played one game as wicketkeeper. If his services can be obtained on a regular basis he would be a definite bonus to the team.

Mark Dalton Denham 2nd XI Captain October 2002

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